A Paralegal at Timms Solicitors has won the top prize in an annual competition organised by Derby & District Law Society (DDLS) in association with Derby Law School at the University of Derby.
Leah Pilling came first in the Legal Skills Triathlon which was held at Derby Law School in Friargate Square. Her colleague, trainee solicitor Michael Radze-Constable also won two awards on the day.
The Triathlon sees paralegals, trainee and newly qualified solicitors from local firms team up with a undergraduate Law students from Derby Law School to take part in three challenges.
The teams work together to compete in an advocacy assessment (held in the mock courtroom at the Law School), an interview of a client and a negotiation. Competitors are given a unique opportunity to receive feedback and mentoring support from experienced practitioners, to showcase their skills and network.
Timms Solicitors managing partner Fiona Moffat said: “The Legal Skills Triathlon is a much-anticipated annual event in the Derby legal calendar and an opportunity for young professionals and undergraduates alike to demonstrate their skills.
“The experience for everyone involved is invaluable in terms of developing their skills in three key areas of work, learning from each other and gaining valuable feedback from esteemed lawyers who generously give their time to be judges on the day.
“As active members of the Derby & District Law Society and committed partners with Derby Law School at the University of Derby, we were delighted to support this event and I am delighted that both Leah and Michael did so well in this competition.”
Leah Pilling joined Timms in November 2021 and works in the Family Law/Childcare team based at the Derby and Burton offices. She continued: “I was privileged to be selected to take part in the annual event which was a great opportunity to compete against other brilliant junior lawyers.
“It was a great day for Timms with my colleague, Michael Radze-Constable who also won two awards. A big thank you to the organisers of this event and to everyone who took part.”
Michael Radze-Constable is currently in his first seat in Family Law/Childcare at Timms. He added: “I am delighted that it was such a great day for Timms with Leah earning a well-deserved first place, and for myself winning best advocate and negotiator.
“This gives me much confidence which I will carry into my next seat commencing in July with the conveyancing department.”
Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones, JJPR, Tel: 01332 515102; 07951 945665; sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk
Note to Editors
Timms Solicitors have been established since 1892 and have over 125 years of providing advice and guidance for clients.
Four partners – Fiona Moffat, Jo Robinson and Dee Khunkhuna manage over 60 members of staff across four locations; Derby, Ashby, Swadlincote and Burton.
High quality specialist services for both the individual and business include: Family Law, Childcare, Wills & Probate, Residential Conveyancing, Clinical Negligence, Commercial & Business, Personal Injury and Employment Law.